Meghalaya: KSU, FKJGP seek postponement of final semester exams in NEHU

SHILLONG/TURA | AUG 24, 2020:

The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) – NEHU unit and the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) – Garo Hills Zone have sought the postponement of the upcoming final semester examinations due to the COVID – 19 pandemic.

The two organisations have raised their opposition over the decision of NEHU to hold examinations from the third week of September, irrespective of different disciplines and courses.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Academic Council, NEHU, the KSU has expressed its deep concern and resentment over the decision of the University to go forth with an online exam for the Final Semester students both Post Graduate (PG) and Under Graduate (UG).

"The Union again recapitulate its unabated opposition against an online mode exam as it is neither feasible nor desirable in nature and will certainly ensue significant impact mostly on the students of Meghalaya in particular," read the letter.

ALSO READ: Meghalaya: NEHU students "unhappy" over decision to hold exams

ALSO READ: Meghalaya: NEHUSU calls for cancellation of final examination

The Union exhorted the University to withdraw the decision of conducting an online exam in lieu the University should seek the extension of deadline on holding a Final Examination adding that NEHU is in the position to take this call since the matter is still in Court.

"No decision should be taken at this point of time as the matter of conducting the final exam is Sub-judice and no decision should be taken arbitrarily as the Supreme Court is yet to give its verdict," said KSU NEHU unit president, Pynshai Kupar Dkhar.

The union, however, suggested the administration to base the assessment from the assignment and previous semesters grades/marks or put the exam on hold for now until the situation improves.

ALSO READ: Open letter to NEHU VC from students on removal of Head of English Department

ALSO READ: Meghalaya: NEHUTA demands probe against NEHU VC

Similarly, the FKJGP Garo Hills Zone has written a separate letter to Pro-Vice-Chancellor (PVC) of the NEHU Tura campus where it mentioned various reasons for the postponement, the biggest one of which was the spread of the pandemic.

"The entire world is under lockdown in order to avoid the spread of the deadly disease. In our own state, community transmission has already started taking the number of cases beyond 1000 with some even losing their lives. We feel that conducting an examination during this pandemic is of great risk," said general secretary, Raksrang Sangma.

The NGO also pointed out that there are many students who hail from containment areas and even from Assam.

"The question is whether the students from these areas will appear in the exam or go for quarantine. Looking at the crises, we urge upon you to postpone the upcoming final semester exam," urged the NGO in their letter.

ALSO WATCH: